1999 ZX600G Solenoid Prob

[drift_kingz]

I have a 1999 zx600g and my solenoid has just packed a sad ordered a new one but its going to be 3 weeks away coming from overseas.I was hopeing to go to a motorbike rally next weekend but dont like my chances.My question is is there any way i could still use the bike that wouldnt wreck it in any way like maybe put a switch in???

[Ixion]

Starter solenoid?

I don't know your bike, but almost all starter solenoids are just that . A big switch. Two honking big cables, one to battery , one to starter motor. Either one, or two small wires to activate it. One wire if the case is metal and earthed, two otherwise.

If that's what you've got, just trundle along to Supacheap and pick the one that's the closest match. Cable tie or duct tape it in place and you're done.

My XT600 has a truck solenoid, cos I got sick of the crappy little Yamaha ones crapping out. The honking huge brute I've got now should never fail.

Just make sure the voltage is right, and be aware that bikes, unlike cars, often put the starter switch in the earth return from the solenoid coil.

[Katman]

And let me guess - this solenoid that is taking 3 weeks to get here is costing $700 as well?

Tell the bike shop to stick their genuine Kawasaki (?) solenoid up their arse and get an aftermarket one fitted.

[davereid]

Borrow a screwdriver from someone you don't like. Use it to short the two big terminals on the solenoid together to start your bike. When the screwdriver has arced away to nothing, go and borrow another one.

[Jorja]

Why not fix the solenoid?.Open it up and clean the contact points up then bend them so they contact again.

[drift_kingz]

the new one is going to cost $168 i just want a quick fix until new one arives that wont wreck anything else on it when i cross terminals with screw driver i still have to press switch so fuel pump pumps fuel through otherwise it just winds over and over.as soon as i press switch it starts straight away

[tri boy]

Bump starting is an option.

[drift_kingz]

on the solenoid there is 4 wires on top and one to battery and one to starter motor.Starting it by crossing the terminals wont hurt it or will it?????

[davereid]

There are two really big cables. osually One from battery to solenoid. One from solenoid to starter.

Some times one from battery to starter. One from starter to solenoid to ground.

Bottom line ?

If you short the terminals on the solenoid, its exactly the same as if the solenoid did the job. So you can't hurt anything except the stolen screwdriver.

But...

your solenoid may not be faulty. Maybe the bike is in gear. Maybe it wont start until the brake is on, the side stand up, or the bike in neutral.

Be sure you are not shorting out a safety device.. else, just buzz it out !

[drift_kingz]

thanks tried all the stand and netural light etc so i will just cross terminal for rally then leave bike alone till part arives

[awayatc]

I have a 1999 zx600g and my solenoid has just packed a sad ordered a new one but its going to be 3 weeks away coming from overseas.

How did this sad solenoid diagnose come about? if I may ask...I mean is that something that a garage/mechanic/mechanical oriented person concluded after some serious faultfinding?.....
What are the symptoms? what happened?
Not everything is always what it seems...
Good luck

[drift_kingz]

i havent owned the bike for long after i brought it i started having problems starting it some times it would work other times it would be dead and finally shit it self so i checked fuses etc and them we just check switch etc but thats still good as when i push the button the fuel pump still makes pumping noise.so took the solenoid out and cant pull it apart but it rattles when i shake it so put it back in and tried it again didnt work.crossed the terminal over and started straight away so yea.At the moment i have just hooked up a switch so i flick it to start then turn it off and will use that for a few times for this weekend then wait for parts to arrive.

[davereid]

awayatc may be on to something. On many bikes, the starter solenoid will not work unless the bike is in neutral, or a brake on or the sidestand up etc etc etc...

[drift_kingz]

yea done the stand netural light etc but doesnt do anything guess i will find out if it wasnt the solenoid when part arrives.